North Korea chides Grassadellia, calls Menuhaeo and McCaren 'fools'

MAVOCKE--The rhetoric between North Korea and Grassadellia is escalating, as the two nations spar over North Korea's recent threats of war and detainment of a Grassadellian humanitarian worker.

Last week, President Brenton Menuhaeo and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jim McCaren called for North Korea to stop provoking South Korea and the United States with threats of a nuclear attack.

The president and McCaren also called for the North to release Charlotte Gibbons, a 63-year-old Damoign woman who is being held in Pyongyang after traveling there for a European Union-led humanitarian mission almost four months ago.

North Korean government officials accuse Gibbons of "harboring illegal drug activity inside the DPRK," or Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as North Korea is officially known.

But Grassadellian leaders believe the charges of smuggling drugs against Gibbons were fabricated to provide an excuse for the North to detain a Grassadellian citizen.

"Charlotte Gibbons did not smuggle drugs into or out of North Korea. These are false charges. They were fabricated and made up to justify her detainment, and the whole world knows these are trumped up charges that have no legal justification or grounds for prosecution," David Monteguro, Collester's Chief of Staff, told the GBC in a Friday interview.

At a press conference last week, President Menuhaeo warned North Korea that Grassadellia would not tolerate its citizens being harassed or detained without warrant in other countries.

"North Korea is engaging in a dangerous game of rhetoric and provocation. This is a regime that has oppressed its own people for decades, and is known for playing psychological games with other countries as a method of manipulation. But Grassadellia will not tolerate the abusive treatment and unlawful detainment of its citizens. Anywhere."

Menuhaeo also warned North Korea's new young leader, Kim Jong-Un, that if the rogue nation provokes a military conflict with the United States or its allies, the conflict will not result in a North Korea victory.

"If North Korea provokes a war or a military conflict with the United States or with virtually any other nation, for that matter, it will not end in North Korea's favor," Menuhaeo told reporters.

In response to Grassadellia's warnings, Pyongyang reacted swiftly, chiding Grassadellia for its "arrogance," and calling President Brenton Menuhaeo and Jim McCaren "fools."

"The Grassadellian government is bringing shame on its people by engaging in reckless arrogance," the DPRK said in a written statement. "The DPRK will react with strength and confidence against Grassadellia, the United States, South Korea, Japan, or any other state that threatens the DPRK's interests."

The North Korean government also warned of Western complacency.

"Brenton Menuhaeo and Jim McCaren are fools if they doubt the strength and vigor of the DPRK," the statement said.

Following North Korea's brazen words, Collester released a statement, calling North Korea a "bully" and emphasizing the North's alienation from the rest of the world.

"North Korea continues to engage in careless provocation, the manipulation of other countries through extortion, and inciting violence and war. Unfortunately, this behavior comes at the expense of North Korea's dignity, and only assures further isolation from the international community," the Grassadellian State Department said in its statement.

As the war of words has increased in intensity, some have called for a truce.

"The best interest of all nations would be to end provoking words and engage in quiet peace," Sweden's Foreign Minister, Carl Bildt, a long-time ally of Grassadellia's, said in a written statement for the Swedish government.

Even from within Grassadellia's government, many voiced opposition to the rising tensions.

"This is the United States' problem, not our's," Trinton Sen. Grace Kemp (N) said at a town hall meeting yesterday. "Why are we getting involved?"

And Kalnier Sen. Paul LeBouse (N) condemned President Brenton Menuhaeo, a member of his own party, for increasing tensions between Grassadellia and North Korea.

"By engaging in this petty, adolescent-like game of back-and-forth threats, the President and the leaders of the state department are making Grassadellia look as bad as the United States. We are now joining the US as a war-mongering nation that seeks to bully the rest of the world with our imperialist agenda," the far-left LeBouse, a self-described socialist, told GBC Radio.

On the opposite side, some Conservatives feel the Menuhaeo administration isn't reacting strongly enough, however.

"He keeps saying all these strongly-worded messages to North Korea and warning them there will be consequences if they act unlawfully. But what good is rhetoric if you're not willing to back it up?" Sen. Jim Frasier (C-Deschire), who is the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told the GBC Friday.

But some Conservatives believe the president is reacting appropriately.

"The president is right to tell North Korea, these acts of aggression and defiance will not be tolerated," Sen. Jhana Schueler of Biereland told GNN's Marcy McKay. "Very few leaders are willing to stand up to the North Koreans, and so far, I think Brenton Menuhaeo and Jim McCaren are doing a pretty good job of standing up to them."

As for Charlotte Gibbons, the Grassadellian woman still being detained in North Korea, experts say it is likely she may be released sometime next week.

"North Korea is expected to perhaps launch a small missile that isn't aimed at any real target. That way, they can claim some kind of military victory without provoking the United States into war. And then on Sunday they will celebrate the birth of their first leader, Kim Il-Sung, and after that, the tensions will likely come back down, and Charlotte Gibbons could very well be released sometime next week," Dr. Anders Broven of the University of Roddenclanshire's Political Science Department, told the Grassadellia City Times.

If Gibbons is released, the Grassadellian government is prepared, officials say.

"We are prepared for her possible release. We are working in tandem with the government of Sweden, who will be acting on our behalf. We want to secure her release and, the hope is, North Korea will turn Ms. Gibbons over to the Swedes and they will then bring her back to Grassadellia," Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Dawn Hunter-Garrett told the NPF.

Gibbons' family released a statement, asking for prayers and an end to the stand-off between the two countries.

"We ask for prayers during this emotional time, as we seek the return of our beloved daughter, sister, mother and aunt. We hope she'll be home soon."

Garesby, Xhi have difficult relationship

CLEVEY SPRINGS, Harvannah--Just over three months into his tenure, Conservative Gov. George Garesby has set out on an ambitious agenda: to improve Harvannah's economy, restructure the state's education system, fix the state's ailing transportation infrastructure, better-serve rural counties that are often ignored, and embrace and integrate the citizens of Kilgore Island, which Harvannah annexed in 2010.

At his side is Harvannah's Lieutenant Governor, Nationalist Mia Xhi, who won a second term in 2012.

So far, the governor and his deputy seem to be getting along okay. Publicly, that is.

But privately, aides to both Garesby and Xhi (pronounced "she") say the two struggle to work together.

"It's not that he (Garesby) doesn't like her as a person (Xhi) or appreciate her as a colleague. He does. But he has reached out in bipartisanship and she has really shot down every attempt he's made," an aide to the governor, who asked not be identified because he was speaking without permission, told the Clevey Springs Dome-Observer.

Similarly, an aide to Xhi told the Dome-Observer the lieutenant governor considers Garesby to be a nice person, but will not compromise when it comes to hot-button political issues.

"She does think he is a nice guy, but she refuses to work with him because they just have two very different visions, and let's face it, she'd rather be working with Mark Andres, who she agreed with 99 percent of the time," the aide, who also was not authorized to speak to the media, told the paper.

In a candid interview with the Harlyne Sun newspaper, Garesby told reporter Michael Dallion that he respects Xhi but has not received a warm reception.

"I really do respect her as a public official. She is a pioneer for women in this state, in terms of holding of office and being a leader in Clevey Springs. But I have tried to reach out and tried to find some common ground, and tried to cultivate a healthy, bipartisan, friendly relationship, and I just don't feel like that attempt at camaraderie and cooperation has been returned," Garesby said.

In a separate interview with the Sun, Xhi said the two leaders have "real differences" when it comes to the issues, and maintained she doesn't have a problem with Garesby as a person, but she "strongly disagrees" with his political philosophy.

"I don't have a problem sitting next to George Garesby at a luncheon or a political function. I don't have a problem sitting down with him in the governor's office and talking. But I do have a real issue with his political positions and his ultra-conservative agenda that he is attempting to push through. And I can't cooperate with something that is so strongly against my beliefs as a woman, as an Asian-Grassadellian, as an independent, free-thinking person that values civil rights," said Xhi.

When asked if his relationship with Xhi is "icy," by reporter Michael Dallion, Garesby replied, "I wouldn't say icy, but she hasn't been real warm."

Xhi told the Sun, "I respect his authority as governor, and I respect the will of the voters, as they elected him. But I do not respect his positions. We stand very far apart on the political spectrum, and I don't think holding hands and singing 'kumbayah' together is going to change that fact."

But both say they are working on improving their relationship.

"I have reached out, and I'm going to continue to reach out to Mia, because I think the people of Harvannah sent me to Clevey Springs to foster cooperation and team-work and bipartisanship. We had a very strong dose of partisanship in the last administration, and I'm determined to weed that out of Clevey Springs," Garesby said.

Xhi said the two are working on finding common ground.

"We are working together to find areas where we can agree. There aren't very many of them, but we are working to find commonalities on veterans' issues, environmental protection issues, protecting children, improving literacy. So there are some areas where we can work together despite our differences."

Xhi is widely seen as a possible NAT candidate for governor in the 2016 election. It's possible she could challenge Garesby, although she has declined to say whether she is considering a future bid.

Maine City cop shoots wife, takes own life in murder-suicide

MAINE CITY, Armana--Police in Maine City responded to a murder-suicide Saturday, involving one of their own.

Around 3:00 pm Eastern time, authorities rushed to a home in the city's northwest, after receiving 911 calls from neighbors reporting gunfire.

When authorities arrived, they learned it was the home of Maine City Police Corporal Michael Corman, 43, and his wife Olivia, 44 years of age.

Inside the home, police found Olivia Corman dead from a gunshot wound to the head, and Michael Corman with a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

A suicide note was also found, police say.

Police would not release details or the contents of the note, but say financial and marital problems were main contributors.

"This is a very sad day for the entire Maine City Police Department," Captain Steve Brogan told reporters. "We grieve the senseless death of Olivia Corman and also the loss of someone we considered a friend and colleague, Corporal Corman."

"Had we known Corporal Corman was struggling with depression and these issues in his life, we would have intervened and sought help for him. But there were no signs, nothing any of his fellow officers noticed that would have sent up a red flag," Brogan said.

The home was cordoned off with police tape all day Sunday, as investigators continued collecting evidence. Police do not believe anyone else was involved.

Concern grows for Grassadellian woman held captive in North Korea

MAVOCKE--As North Korea continues to ramp up the tension on the Korean peninsula by taunting the United States with threats of war, concern is growing for a Grassadellian woman who is being held captive in North Korea.

Charlotte Gibbons, a 63-year-old Damoign woman who traveled to North Korea back in December on a humanitarian mission, is still being held in the reclusive country, three and a half months after initially being detained.

Grassadellia is feverishly working to secure Gibbons release, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett told the media.

"We have been working tirelessly to get her out of there, and we are continuing our best efforts to bring Charlotte Gibbons back home," Hunter-Garrett said at a press conference Friday.

With North Korea's recent "bellicose rhetoric," as the United States called it, the Grassadellian State Department fears Gibbons may be in an increasingly dangerous situation.

"North Korea is never a really safe place to go, in terms of coming back," Hunter-Garrett explained. "But in this case, Miss Gibbons was traveling there on a humanitarian mission, with a group from the European Union. So she was there on official humanitarian business, and that should be respected and she should be allowed to return to Grassadellia."

Gibbons was detained by North Korean officials, for what the state-ran media called "harboring illegal drug activity in the DPRK," which stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a name the oppressive government officially uses.

Grassadellian officials believe Gibbons was not involved in any illicit activity, and that the charges against were made up.

President Brenton Menuhaeo said he is "very displeased" with Gibbons' detainment, and said Grassadellia will not allow its citizens to be held hostage in other countries.

"North Korea is engaging in a dangerous game of rhetoric and provocation. This is a regime that has oppressed its own people for decades, and is known for playing psychological games with other countries as a method of manipulation. But Grassadellia will not tolerate the abusive treatment and unlawful detainment of its citizens. Anywhere."

Menuhaeo also urged the North to stand down and back off from its recent threats.

"If North Korea provokes a war or a military conflict with the United States or with virtually any other nation, for that matter, it will not end in North Korea's favor, I can tell you that," Menuhaeo said.

Meanwhile, the family of Charlotte Gibbons is praying for her quick and safe return.

"This has been three months of hell for us," sister Kathy Genn told the STAR network. "We just want our Char back. We want her back here safe with us."

Back in Mavocke, Deschire Sen. Jim Frasier (C), who is the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for Grassadellian naval ships to be mobilized to the East China Sea.

"The US is sending ships there. Why not join them with a couple of Grassadellian naval destroyers. Just to show North Korea we are very serious about defending our country and defending our citizens."

Critics argue that will only endanger Charlotte Gibbons.

"That is a really bad idea that will have a really bad outcome," Sheila Wirth, Executive Vice President of the North Korea Policy Institute in Grassadellia City told the Mavocke Capitol newspaper.

Instead, Wirth and some members of Congress are calling for negotiations.

"What we need is a Bill Richardson or a Tony Blair to go over to North Korea and negotiate, peacefully and without increasing tensions, the release of Miss Gibbons," Marchenay Sen. Joseph Milhaughly (N) said after the Foreign Relations Committee hearing. "Bill Richardson did it with the US and Laura Ling. And we can do it too, but we need to act quickly and rationally."

Skeptics say a negotiation is unlikely right now, as North Korea is projecting a strong, bold and brazen image. A negotiation might be seen as a sign of weakness, they say.

"I think a negotiated release is very unlikely at this time. North Korea is not going to release someone in the midst of this arms competition they're having with the US," Sen. Paul Ludtke (DR-Ansleigha) told Good Morning Grassadellia. "The best thing we can do at this point is to back off, try to simmer things down and put the pressure on China to persuade the North Koreans to back off as well. And then we can negotiate the release."

Charlotte Gibbons' family, however, wants immediate action.

"Every day is precious. Every day that goes by is a missed opportunity," said Genn, her younger sister. "We just want her to know we are doing everything we can to bring her back."

Almone takes middle ground in climate change debate

LANSDALE--While many in the Conservative party have vocally denied or downplayed the impact of climate change, POG Gov. Donna Almone (C) is emphatic: global warming is real.

Almone is perhaps the most prominent CNS figure thus far to acknowledge the effects of global warming.

Other well-known Conservative politicians have outspokenly rejected climate change, to the joy of many Conservative voters and activists.

Remmington Gov. Jen Stevens-Taylor, a staunch conservative who governs one of the country's driest states, raised more than $2.4 million in campaign donations following his refusal to attend the 2009 Copenhagen climate change summit. He also took heat from Nationalists--and received applause from Conservatives--for taking part in an anti-climate change rally in downtown Remmington City.

Stevens-Taylor said he believes in global warming, but believes it is not as severe as scientists claim. He also opposes any laws that push taxes or seizing civil liberties in the name of alleviating climate change.

Other Conservatives, such as 2010 Veroche Senate candidate Talley O'Neil and former Veroche Sen. Evelynn Blankenship, have downplayed global warming. O'Neil told a crowd at a campaign rally in February 2010 global warming was just "a way for Nationalists to make more money" through taxes.

Blankenship said at a Christian religious forum the climate change movement was "a central part of Satan's plan" for the world.

New Portsmouth Sen. Nadine Pietrasaelis (C) mocked climate change protesters, calling them "fuddy-duddies." And North Ceona Sen. Pete Deetch told the National Press Club last month "climate change is about as real as the tooth fairy."

But in an interview with Essence magazine, Donna Almone affirmed the existence of climate change, and the need to combat it.

"I do believe in climate change. I believe it is real, it is man-made, and I think we do need to do something about it. That may put me at odds with some in my party, but that's how I see it," the 64-year-old, three-term governor said.

That being said, Almone does disagree with Nationalists on how to address climate change.

"I do believe global warming is real. But I don't think raising taxes through the roof on corporations or every day Grassadellians is a fair or plausible solution. I think we have to look at ways we can curb our greenhouse gases. We have to look at ways we can cut back on pollution, ways that don't involve taxing people to death or taking away personal freedoms and civil liberties. We have to be realistic about it, and those ideas are just not realistic. And we have to come up with a solution that does not infringe upon reasonable rights of Grassadellian citizens."

Liberals say Almone's stance on climate change is hardly commendable.

"She acknowledges global warming is real. Okay, great," says Neil Donaldson, PhD and president of the left-leaning think-tank GreenTree, told the GBC. "But she opposes every measure out there that is in place or being proposed [to help stop global warming]. It's a bit hypocritical. On the one hand, she says it's real and we need to do something. And then she turns around says, 'well, we can't impose taxes and we can't put regulations on products because that's limiting freedom of choice and expression.' That's like throwing darts and trying to catch them. It just doesn't work."

It does make sense though, according to Almone.

"I'm not saying we should sit back and do nothing. That's foolish. But there are other ways we can reduce our contribution to global warming. Specifically, we can give tax credits to companies for reducing their carbon footprint. We can give incentives. Let's give businesses a reason to willingly cut carbon output rather than forcing them to do it through punitive taxes and a maze of red tape. Let's unleash human ingenuity and let entrepreneurs and scientists discover new solutions instead of spending billions of dollars on government bureaucracy."

A new poll put out by Lexmark University shows POGer's largely agree with Almone when it comes to climate change policy. More than 71% said they would not favor climate change laws that take away personal freedoms. Forty-two percent said the threat of climate change is real, while 46% said is not real or is exaggerated. And 62% said they would not favor laws that impose new taxes on businesses or individuals.

Nevertheless, Almone says she is committed to addressing climate change during the next legislative session.

"I will be proposing allocating funding to studying the effects of climate change on POG's agriculture, beach geology and coral reefs off POG shores. I think that is very important."

The current POG state legislative session runs through May. The next legislative session will begin in September.

Lindselli revels in 'maverick' status

HANSBORO, East Deschire--She was once called the "firebrand from the heartland" by a Nationalist colleague.

And now, former Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C) is back in the spotlight, just a few months after losing re-election by a sliver of the vote.

Lindselli has all but confirmed she will challenge fellow Conservative (albeit moderate) Sen. Denna Halitz in the 2014 primary elections.

Halitz has struck a bipartisan tone in the Senate, a far cry from Lindselli's strictly party-line voting record.

And after having lost by just a handful of votes to Nationalist Secretary of State Allison Sweeten in the 2012 election, the 76-year-old Lindselli seems less ready for retirement and more anxious to jump back into the political battle zone, by challenging the much younger Halitz (age 37) in what could be a tense primary race that centers as much around policy differences as generational ones.

Over the past month, speculation has mounted that Lindselli might take on Halitz, who is up for re-election in 2014.

Sources close to the "gun-toting grandma," as she calls herself, told the Mavocke Capitol last month that Lindselli was all but certain to run for the Senate in 2014.

And last week, Lindselli herself told political reporter Tom Cuben that she would return to Mavocke.

"I'll be back there (in Mavocke), in some form or fashion," she said.

She added that the opinions of party leaders has little impact on the decisions she makes.

"I take pride in being independent. I don't go around kowtowing to party leadership. I do what I think is right, and I stick to it."

Lindselli's possible forthcoming maverick candidacy has some CNS party leaders concerned.

On the one hand, she has a more reliably conservative voting record compared to Halitz, who has sided with Nationalists on a number of important votes.

But chief among their concerns: Lindselli's fiery tone and hard-line conservative views could alienate voters in friendly and folksy East Deschire.

The Harvest State is generally conservative-leaning. However, East Deschireans have a record of voting in moderate Nationalists, including Sens. Portia McLendon, as well as Gov. Lynn DeMont and Lt. Gov. Laurel McEdery.

"There is some concern in the leadership...that if Lindselli wins the nomination, and the NAT nominates a centrist candidate like John Blackman or Donna Rae Cobb...that may result in the loss of a Conservative-held seat," one source, who asked not to be identified because they were not allowed to speak to the media, told the Hansboro Laureate.

Blackman, a businessman from Hansboro, was a candidate for the Senate back in 2010, but lost the primary election to Sweeten, who went on to lose narrowly to Conservative Mike Aventhalle in the general election.

Cobb is the Assemblywoman for the seat of Forkwich, which encompasses the northeastern corner of the state.

Both are said to be considering a 2014 Senate bid.

Densy halts teacher pay raises, wants merit-based pay

TREETON--The political heat is being turned up in Monomi.

Conservative Gov. John Densy and a CNS-controlled state legislature are pushing forward with a budget proposal that will cut more than $1.3 billion in spending.

Densy and the CNS-led legislature proposed the leaner budget to combat a $6.3 billion budget deficit. But among the more than $1.3 billion in spending cuts are about $120 million in education funding.

The results: public school teachers will not receive planned pay increases, nor will instructors at the state's public universities see their pay rise in the next year.

Funding for higher education will be cut by about $72 million, while the remaining cuts will be felt at the K-12 and pre-school levels.

Densy and backers of the budget say the cuts are necessary to dig the state out of its deficit.

"These are painful cuts, of course. But there is no easy way to cut $1.3 billion. Every department, every sector of government is feeling the consequences of these cuts. It's not pleasant, it's not preferred. But it is, unfortunately, necessary under the circumstances," Densy told reporters Friday.

Conservatives also point out that most proposed cuts would be to planned construction projects and non-essential services.

"We are trying to lessen the impact of the spending cuts to our children. We're trying to keep the budget cuts out of the classroom. So most of the cuts will be felt in the construction sector, as well as in maintenance and operations," state Sen. Chris Midges (C-Rantham) told STAR-TV.

That means Monomi's public universities will have to put a hold on many of their expansion projects.

Community colleges and state-ran technical schools will also feel the cuts.

"It's unfortunate that the governor feels the need to balance the burden of the budget cuts on the backs of the community and technical colleges, and the higher ed system in general," Macy Kastetter, chair of the Monomi Higher Education Council told the NPF.

Critics say the budget unfairly punishes teachers by discontinuing their scheduled pay increases. And educators will have to pay more out of their own pockets to buy supplies, the NAT says.

"If these cuts go through, teachers will be paying more of their personal money to supply their classrooms. They will continue to have over-crowded classrooms, and vital programs, such as after school and early education programs, will be eliminated," Dani Damuir, head of the local teacher's union in Scottsville north of Treeton, told the GBC.

State Sen. Lisa McDonnell (N-Averan) says the "cuts at any cost" approach of Densy and Conservatives is punishing children.

"We're not slashing spending with this budget. We're eliminating dreams. We're putting our children on the chopping block. This is Conservative anti-tax crusaders at their worst," McDonnell said.

Densy has tried to soften criticism by proposing a merit-based pay system beginning in 2015, which the governor says would be cheaper than across-the-board pay increases.

"What this proposal does, is it would give teachers that are succeeding and doing a good job, it would reward them for their hard work. Good teachers deserved to be rewarded," Densy said. "But we need to find teachers that are not succeeding, that are not living up to the standard our kids need. And we're not going to fire them right off the bat. We're not going to discipline them. We're going to work with them to improve their performance."

The Monomi Education Association (MEA), the state's largest teachers union, opposes that idea as well.

"Any person that decides to dedicate their career and their life to education deserves a pay raise. And it shouldn't be tied to shoddy standardized tests or inaccurate teacher evaluations," MEA President Molly Ureakin told the Treeton Sun.

Opponents of the budget cuts have spent the last two days rallying at the state capital in Treeton. More than 600 people, many chanting and waving signs, have crowded the capital's rotunda and gathered on the grounds outside the capital to protest the budget cuts.

Kyle Chetgens, who traveled from Del Latto south of Treeton, told the Sun he is not leaving the protesters' make-shift tent camp on the steps of the capital until the proposed budget cuts to education are removed.

"I'm here for the long haul."

While cuts to the state's education system have been the most controversial, other departments, such as the Monomi Department of Labor, the state Environmental Quality Agency, and the Department of Health will also take major cuts under the budget proposal.

Kolotano, Sanchez possible replacements for Downs

BROOKINGS--Biereland Gov. San Bartholomew (N) found himself partner-less this week.

That's because his former political partner, Lt. Gov. Ashton Downs (N), resigned her post last week after President Brenton Menuhaeo asked her to serve as Director of Consumer Affairs in his administration.

Downs' resignation means Bartholomew will have to appoint someone to fill the lieutenant governorship until the 2014 election.

According to Simon Petersen, a Brookings political insider and reporter, Bartholomew has two men at the top of his list of possible replacements for Ashton Downs.

They are former federal Sen. Steve Kolotano (N), who served from 2008 until 2011, when he was removed from the Senate involuntarily in the Senate Reduction Lottery.

And state Rep. Gabriel Sanchez (N-Oho), who at age 32, would be a very young pick, but could bring ethnic diversity to Bartholomew's cabinet.

Kolotano is viewed as the more experienced choice. He has been involved in Biereland politics for more than a decade. The crafty Conservative-turned-Nationalist could also add tenacity to Bartholomew's campaign, a much-needed asset, since Bartholomew is considered especially vulnerable heading into the upcoming 2014 election.

Bartholomew's office would not comment on whom the governor is considering.

"All I can tell you is that Governor Bartholomew is considering many possible candidates for the job," spokeswoman Kelly Stacy told the Greene Mountain Press (GMP).

Neither Kolotano nor Sanchez would comment either.

Simon Petersen told the GMP that Kolotano is also considering a challenge to Sen. Brad Bearns (C) in the 2014 election.

Sanchez has been planning to run for lieutenant governor for several months now, Petersen said.

"This is all just through the political grapevine," said Petersen. "But word has it that Steve Kolotano may try to claw his way back into the Senate by challenging Conservative Brad Bearns, and Gabe Sanchez is already thinking of running for lieutenant governor in 2014. So even if [Sanchez] is not appointed to the position now, he will likely make a run for it in the near future."

The governor has 90 days to appoint a replacement. That means he has until May 26 to appoint someone to the position.

In Biereland, the lieutenant governor serves as President of the state Senate, and as an ambassador for the state.

The lieutenant governor is elected separately from the governor, and thus can be of a different political party.

Trevano detained by police at Phoenix airport

PHOENIX, Arizona--Grassadellian pop star Trevor Trevano has been released after what police in the U.S. are describing as an "incident."

The former boy-band heart throb was detained by airport police at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Arizona, after an altercation with an aggressive fan.

The incident happened Tuesday, while Trevano was arriving in Phoenix for a Tuesday night concert.

Police gave little comment on the matter, only saying that an aggressive fan approached Trevano and followed him through the airport.

Trevano and the fan, who was described as a 40-year-old American man, had some kind of scuffle inside the airport. Trevano's security personnel then broke up the scuffle, pushing the man to the ground.

Airport police soon arrived and detained both the fan and Trevano.

Trevano was questioned for about ten minutes, and then released. Police stressed he was not arrested or charged with a crime.

"Mr. Trevano was simply detained for questioning, and released without charges or arrest," Lt. Glenn Comstock told the Associated Press.

The fan was cited for 3rd degree harassment, and was released by police as well. He was treated for minor cuts and bruises at the airport urgent care center.

Trevano's publicist, Jill Irvine, had no comment on the matter.

Axe-wielding bank robber shot, killed by police

EMBROOKE, Marchenay--Police in suburban Madagen say an axe-wielding man that tried to rob a bank and attempted to attack bank employees has been shot and killed by police.

The terror unfolded at a Cosniac Bank branch in Embrooke, about eleven miles southwest of Madagen. The first emergency silent alarm was sent out at 3:11 pm Eastern time.

Embrooke Police Chief Kevin Kruger confirmed to the National Press Federation (NPF) that the suspect was shot after attempting to assault bank employees with the hatchet.

"Our office received a report of an armed robbery at the Cosniac Bank on Selth Street and 142nd Avenue. Multiple units responded, and the suspect, who was armed with a hatchet, was shot by an officer. No one other than the suspect was injured," Kruger said.

The suspect has not been identified.

Police say about 13 customers and 20 employees were inside the bank at the time of the robbery. Many ran outside or took cover behind desks and counters when the man entered the building, swinging an axe.

Victims were treated for shock but none had serious injuries.

Bank officials told police the 37-year-old suspect was an angry customer, and demanded $36,000 in cash. Employees were working on retrieving the money when police arrived.

Several officers approached the front entrance of the building, and upon entering, one officer shot the suspect three times.

Police believe the suspect may have been suffering from mental health problems at the time.

The Wasden Flats shopping centre where the bank is located, was shut down for about 30 minutes while police investigated.

A spokesman for Cosniac Bank, which is based in Marchenay, told the NPF the company is assisting in the investigation.

"Cosniac is working with law enforcement to complete an accurate and thorough investigation. We applaud our employees for following protocol and acting courageously and professionally," the company said in a statement.

The officer who fired the fatal shot that killed the suspect has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.

Company officials say they expect the bank to re-open sometime next week.

Lindselli considering primary challenge to Halitz

HANSBORO, East Deschire--Fresh off a disappointing defeat, former Sen. Nancy Lindselli (C-East Deschire) is already plotting her comeback.

Lindselli lost by a handful of votes in the 2012 general election to Nationalist Allison Sweeten.

But sources close to Lindselli say the Conservative firebrand is considering a return to the Senate: by challenging fellow Conservative Sen. Denna Halitz in a primary election in the 2014 mid-term elections.

Halitz is a centrist who has frequently joined with Nationalists on key Senate votes. She is up for re-election in 2014.

Lindselli has not officially decided to run for the Senate again in 2014. But sources close to her, who wanted to speak anonymously since they were not permitted to talk to the media, told the Mavocke Capitol Lindselli believes Halitz is vulnerable to a challenge from the right.

"[Lindselli] thinks Denna Halitz can be beat in a primary election. When you juxtapose their conservative credentials, Nancy's are far more credible than Halitz's," one source told the Capitol.

No polls have been conducted yet, but in heavily-conservative East Deschire, it's likely that Halitz would face a strong challenge from Lindselli.

In response to rumors of a primary challenge, Halitz's office released a statement defending her centrist voting record.

"Senator Halitz is prepared to take on anyone in the 2014 campaign, Nationalist or Conservative. She stands by her bipartisan record, and does not apologize for working with Conservatives and Nationalists to get things done in Mavocke. She will not take her re-election for granted, nor will she be intimidated by prominent challengers who may seek to unseat her. She will focus on her constituents and the issues rather than a political wrestling match," the statement read.

Halitz is also reportedly actively raising money. Her last financial disclosure statement revealed she has $900,000 on hand--a decent amount, but not nearly enough for a tough Senate campaign. Her campaign says she has been contacting donors and party leaders asking for support.

"She has been hitting the phones and calling big-name donors, calling other centrist members who support her bipartisanship," Doug Staab, Halitz's deputy campaign director told the Hansboro Laureate. "[Halitz] is stocking the munitions room and preparing for battle, even with someone from her own party."

Schueler, Agnew to co-chair CSCC

MAVOCKE--Senate Minority Leader Jay Burns (C-Deschire) announced today that Biereland Sen. Jhana Schueler and Wilkonshire Sen. John Agnew will jointly lead the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee (CSCC) for the 2014 election cycle.

It's the first time the CSCC will be led by two senators simultaneously. Burns said the Conservative caucus in the Senate voted to let both members chair the party's candidate recruitment and re-election efforts.

"Sen. Schueler and Sen. Agnew are both highly capable, hard-working senators. They will work tirelessly to recruit and elect strong candidates that will bring leadership to our party and the Senate chamber," Burns said at a mid-morning press conference.

Schueler and Agnew released a joint statement.

"We are honored that our colleagues have chosen us to head our party's re-election campaign. We will work over the coming months to recruit top-notch, viable candidates that can bring common-sense conservative principles to the Senate."

Nationalists have not announced who will head their campaign. Sen. John Yannes (N-Onakiah), who currently chairs the Nationalist Senate Campaign Organization (NSCO), is up for re-election in 2014. However, he may continue to lead NSCO, according to NAT sources.

Downs to step down as Biereland lieutenant governor

BROOKINGS--Biereland's lieutenant governor, Ashton Downs (N), will leave her post to join the Menuhaeo administration, sources close the situation say.

Downs will accept an offer from President Brenton Menuhaeo to serve as the first Director of Consumer Affairs, according to Mavocke Capitol newspaper.

She has not officially announced her resignation, but Biereland Gov. San Bartholomew (N) is aware she will be departing.

There is no official word yet on who Bartholomew will appoint to replace Downs, although former Brookings mayor Steve Pottomeaux and former Federal Sen. Steve Kolotano (N) are likely candidates.

Metropolitan Police investigate Kentwick cabbie's murder

KENTWICK, Damoign--The streets of north Kentwick were blocked off with police tape for more than six hours this morning after a cab driver was shot to death.

Metropolitan Police cordoned off Donnelly Avenue in the Blakefield district in northeast Kentwick, from Purcell Street on the west to Dirkman Street on the east.

A forensics unit was called in to process the scene while detectives went door-to-door to interview residents in the neighborhood where the shooting took place.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a man with a gun fleeing the vehicle last night around 2:30 am local time.

Neighbors rushed to the aid of the injured cab driver, but he was mortally wounded and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Immediately following the shooting, police combed the area for the suspect, who was described as an African-Grassadellian male in his late twenties to early thirties, but the suspect was not found.

Canines and a heat-sensing police helicopter were dispatched to the area, but turned up nothing.

Sgt. Jeff Kurtick with the Metro Police told local media the cab driver was shot a total of seven times in the abdomen, chest and neck. Police are unsure why the shooting happened, although robbery may have been a motive. Illegal drugs may have been a factor in the shooting also, police added.

Kurtick said locating the suspect is the prime goal of police right now.

"This suspect is presumed to be armed and dangerous at this time, and we have every reason to believe he will resort to violence if confronted," Kurtick said. "Right now, our most pressing concern is getting this individual, whomever he is, apprehended."

Residents of the neighborhood say they are afraid to go about their usual business with an armed killer on the loose.

"It's very scary," Thelma Hart told WGBC-TV. "It makes you think twice about going out to the postal office or the laundry mat or the ice cream parlor."

A spokesman for City Cab Co., the company the cab driver worked for, told the NPF the company is cooperating with authorities.

"We take this incident very seriously. We are very concerned about the safety of our cab drivers and our customers," Rob Durha said. "We are working with Metropolitan Police to determine exactly what happened and how it can be avoided in the future."

Police say anyone with information should call 911 immediately.

Teen dressed as 'Bigfoot' mistaken for bear, shot by neighbor

ASALIA, Ansleigha--A tragic case of mistaken identity has left a 16-year-old boy dead in southeastern Ansleigha.

The Lemquanast County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the teen was shot by a man who mistook him for a bear.

The teen and his 17-year-old friend, neither of whom can be identified because they're minors, were dressed in black, furry "Bigfoot" costumes as a hoax, walking around their neighborhood in an attempt to scare residents.

But 43-year-old Cesar Manones saw the two teens crawling around in some brush near his home, and believed them to be bears, police say.

Manones grabbed his .22 caliber rifle and shot at the pranksters four times from his front porch, hitting one of the boys once in the abdomen. The other boy was not struck by a bullet.

After hearing screams, Manones ran outside and then called 911.

Emergency response arrived, but the victim died at a local hospital.

Neighbors told police they saw the boys and yelled at them, telling them to stop walking around and frightening the people.

After an initial investigation, police determined Manones acted recklessly when he shot the victim.

"From the information we've seen and the witnesses we've talked to, we do not believe Mr. Manones acted prudently and reasonably," Sgt. Cal Fuller told local media.

"Homeowners are only allowed to shoot a bear if they are in eminent danger. In this case, the defendant should have called animal control or 911 to report a bear sighting rather than taking his own measures. He was not in eminent danger when he fired," Fuller said.

Manones is being charged with 3rd Degree Reckless Manslaughter. He is being held in the Lemquanast County Jail until he faces a magistrate.

Police also advised that dressing in animal-like costumes and walking in a wooded area is not safe.

"These two young men were attempting a hoax just for a few laughs. But unfortunately, this hoax had a very tragic ending." Fuller said. "People need to know that when you dress like a wild animal and walk through the woods, it's very easy for someone to mistake you for a bear or some other wild game."

The victim's identity will be released after immediate family have been notified.

Peoninski will not seek re-election in 2014

MAVOCKE--Veroche Sen. Mark Peoninski (N) will not run for re-election in 2014, he announced today.

Speaking to reporters in a mid-afternoon press conference, Peoninski said he had been thinking about stepping down "for a long time," and after talking with his family and colleagues, determined it was the best decision.

"I have enjoyed every minute I've spent in the Senate," he said. "But there are other priorities that I have, as a husband, a father, and a business professional, and I feel that my future lies outside the Senate. So I will not be standing for election in 2014."

Peoninski was elected to the Senate in 2008. Prior to serving in the Senate, he worked in corporate real estate.

His announcement came as a surprise to many, including his fellow Veroche senators.

"I had no idea this was coming. It's quite shocking, really. But I respect his decision and I'm thankful for his service. It's been wonderful serving beside him for the past few years," Sen. Kit McHenry (C) told the NPF.

Nationalist Sen. David Acade, who was elected to the Senate just three years ago, was also caught off-guard by Peoninski's announcement, but had high praise for his fellow NAT member.

"Few people have worked as hard and tirelessly for their state as Mark Peoninski has for Veroche," Acade said.

Peoninski's announcement means it will be an open field for the NAT nomination for his seat. Among the likely candidates: Assemblymen Molly Kern of Dapperdawn, Hayden Allis of Verdonnen and Royal Woods, Derrick Godbrey of Tansler, Alex Korchimney of Kanassett-Marcawsop, and Kim Reegen of Nashakan.

Assemblyman Jim Deerhe of Hutchison, who ran in 2012 for Senate against incumbent Kit McHenry (C), could mount a second run as well.

Assemblyman Nick Garson of Lanakis-Southwick could also run, although he is still struggling to repair his image after a drunken-driving arrest in 2011.

Another likely candidate is former Sen. Aaron Tobias Griffith (N), who was removed from the Senate during the 2011 Senate Reduction Lottery. Griffith is said to be seriously considering running to reclaim his seat.

While Veroche is a heavily NAT state, Conservatives may still have a shot at the open Senate seat. They have a plethora of possible candidates as well.

Topping the list are Assemblymen John Bosworth of Fullerton, Ethan Carr of Brentwood, Vaughn Laudney of Goldocca-West Waters, and Brent Houston of Pudsley.

Former Sen. Evelynn Blankenship could also make a comeback bid.

Carlin may seek Senate seat

STARKSMIN, Wellington--Nationalists are looking to tighten their grip on Wellington's four federal Senate seats.

And one person interested in running for the open Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Lauren Bronure (C): current Lieutenant Governor Joe Carlin (N).

The Starksmin Frontiersman reported Sunday that Carlin is considering a bid for Bronure's seat.

"He's growing tired of Starksmin and would like to be back in Mavocke, in some form or fashion," one source close to the lieutenant governor said.

Carlin served in the National Assembly for 17 years before becoming Wellington's first lieutenant governor in 2008.

But liberal blogger William Allison, who writes for the blog Progressive Prairie, told the Frontiersman that at least two other Nationalists are considering running as well.

"It's my understanding that [Assemblywomen] Grace Candry and Sydney Weir are also planning runs," Allison said. "They haven't confirmed that publicly, but that is what I've been told."

Candry, who represents the electorate of Woods-Mallow in north-central Wellington, has served in the Assembly for 13 years, and ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against Conservative icon Bronure in a 2008 special election.

Weir is a political newcomer, and won election to the Assembly in 2010. She represents the Starksmin-based electorate of Bondara.

A recent poll conducted for the Wellington Nationalist Party by the left-leaning polling firm Justicia, found NAT voters essentially split in a three-way primary, with Carlin leading with 35%, followed by Weir with 34% and Candry with 31%.

Carlin would bring the most name recognition to the race, as he is best-known and has been in statewide political circles for years.

He and Candry both bring experience to the table, whereas Weir lacks experience since she has only been in office for just over two years.

However, many see Weir as a fresh face, and her candidacy would bring youth to the NAT ballot. At age 53, Weir is considerably younger than Carlin (65) and Candry (68).

But Weir is the most liberal of the three potential Nationalist candidates. Her inner-city Starksmin progressivism may not play well statewide, especially given Wellington's battle-ground status.

Carlin and Candry have been well-known liberal icons for years in the prairie, championing labor and entitlement causes.

But they have remained fairly moderate on other issues, particularly gun control, agriculture and social issues.

Conservatives have yet to recruit a top-tier candidate, although Assemblywomen Sharon Dackadett of Okookawa in central Wellington, and Claire Renatti of Woods-Lynn south of Starksmin, are both considering runs.

And the CNS is already making the case for their eventual candidate, citing the fact that Wellington's other three senators are all Nationalists.

"Wellington is still, by and large, a conservative state. If we elect a liberal to Lauren Bronure's Senate seat, all four of our state's Senate seats will be in the hands of the NAT. And the conservative majority voice in our state will not be heard," Kelly Graves, Vice President of the Wellington Conservative Party told the Frontiersman.

Another question facing Nationalists is who would succeed Carlin as lieutenant governor, should he win the nomination for the vacant Senate seat.

Gov. Pierre Carten (N), Carlin's boss and running mate, has not commented on Carlin's potential departure from his office, and who his possible replacement might be.

Carlin himself has not spoken about his future plans, but will need to make a decision soon, so the Carten/Carlin campaign can find a suitable replacement should he leave the ticket.

The confidential source who spoke about the matter told the Frontiersman Carlin would make a decision in the next three months or sooner.

Canton garbage workers strike over wages, benefits

CANTON, Prov. of Grassadellia--It's starting to stink in Canton, POG.

Garbage and sanitation workers are going on strike over wages and benefits, according to the Canton Register.

About 700 workers with Lexar Refuse Co., which is contracted by the City of Canton, are on the picket lines. The strike is in day three, and the trash is piling up.

"It's not a good situation, no," Canton City Administrator Christy Kimball told the Register. "We hope the company and the union will resolve this issue as soon as possible, to avoid health concerns and the unsightly scenes that this is causing."

The union representing the workers, the Grassadellian Transport Workers Union (GTWU), places the blame squarely on Lexar Refuse, saying the company has refused to negotiate a deal with workers.

"Lexar has not stepped up to the plate to do the right thing and give our workers a livable wage and necessary benefits. This is a hazardous job. There need to be certain benefits and appropriate pay increases in place," Tricia Mayer, spokeswoman for the GTWU told the National Press Federation.

Currently, a garbage truck driver that works 40 hours a week makes about $55,000 a year, plus benefits, according to the most recent audit of Lexar's payroll.

The company says they are willing to negotiate pay raises, but workers need to stay on the job.

"We are open to negotiating, but we don't believe a strike is appropriate," Mike Avern, Executive Vice President for Lexar, told Southeast Cable News.

The company is considering bringing in temporary drivers, Avern said.

Some child care centers have been temporarily closed until the dispute is resolved, as to avoid health risks.

The company is hoping to have the issue resolved by Monday.

DeMont will run for re-election, sources say

DEROSA, East Deschire--Sources inside the East Deschire capital say popular Governor Lynn DeMont (N) will seek a second term in 2014.

There was speculation DeMont, who has high approval ratings, would retire instead of running for re-election. But sources close to DeMont say he will run again, much to the disappointment of Conservatives, who have few candidates willing to take on the well-liked, centrist governor.

The sources spoke to the Mavocke Capitol newspaper on condition that their identities not be revealed, as they were not authorized to speak to the media. But they told capital reporter Elliot Harris that DeMont considered retirement but has decided to run again.

"He did think about [retirement] briefly, but he has decided, unequivocally, he wants to run for re-election," one source told the Capitol.

First winning a special election in early 2009, DeMont won a full four-year term in 2010, and is expected to have an easy road to re-election in 2014.

During the past five years, he has served as the head of the Nationalist Governors' Association (NATGA), and is credited with helping the NAT reclaim several governors' seats.

He has high approval ratings, and his decision to run leaves Conservatives with few viable candidates willing to go up against DeMont.

So far, the only person to show interest in running is MP Sara Fraser of Bridgeworth, who ran unsuccessfuly against DeMont in the 2009 special election. She has not confirmed if she will run, however.

DeMont's decision likely rules out a bid by MP Dane Gutmeier of Abbott-Allistair, or Christenkerr Mayor Phil Qwenberry. Both are reportedly interested in the governorship, but may wait until DeMont retires.

DeMont will continue to lead NATGA through the 2014 cycle. 

Conservatives await Thoyer's decision in Wellington governor's race

STARKSMIN, Wellington--As Conservatives look to take on incumbent Nationalist Gov. Pierre Carten ("Car-tain") again in 2014, the party is waiting for its 2010 gubernatorial candidate, architect-turned-state Senator Craig Thoyer ("Toy-er"), to decide if he will run a second time.

Thoyer came close to defeating Carten in the 2010 election, but fell short 48.6%-51.4%.

But Conservatives are already drafting their game plan for the 2014 race.

The party has quietly been reaching out to possible candidates, and has solicited polls to gauge support for potential nominees.

Some well-known Conservatives are interested in challenging Carten in 2014, but are reluctant to get in the race until Thoyer makes his plans clear.

Because he came close to winning in 2010, tradition allows for Thoyer to have a clear path to the nomination in 2014, if he wants to run.

But Thoyer has yet to reveal his plans for 2014.

In an interview with the Starksmin Press Club (SPC) Wednesday, he admitted he is "still undecided."

"I truly have not made up my mind yet," Thoyer told the SPC. "I enjoyed the 2010 race and enjoyed being on the campaign, but it also is a major commitment, not just for me, but also for my family. And I'd have to decide if that's something I want to put them through, and also decide if I want to jump back into politics again, after two years in the private sector."

Thoyer is presently working for a suburban Starksmin real estate company.

Polls conducted by the Wellington Conservative Party show Thoyer neck-and-neck with Carten in a 2014 rematch.

A poll conducted last month by Williamson, McCabe and Denson Consultants of Starksmin showed Carten barely edging Thoyer 51% to 49% in a 2014 hypothetical match-up.

Another poll conducted last week for the Conservative Governors' Association (CGA) showed both Thoyer and Carten at 50% each.

But some party insiders believe Thoyer may not be the best-suited candidate to take on Carten in 2014.

They see either Secretary of State Robyn Ryder, or Rep. Wade Quanson of Canelli-Tudor, a folksy assemblyman from the northeastern suburbs of Starksmin, as the best candidate to take on Carten.

Both Ryder and Quanson have solid conservative credentials, and polls by the state party and the CGA show both pull even with Carten.

Ryder had mixed polling results, with one released in early January showing the secretary of state slightly leading Carten 51% to 49%, and another released in late January showing Ryder trailing Carten 48% to 52%.

Only one poll has been conducted regarding Quanson. That poll, released last week by the CGA, showed Quanson receiving 49% to Carten's 51%.

Ryder has more name recognition than Quanson, but the secretary of state is also viewed as more partisan than either Quanson or Thoyer, something that could hurt him with Wellington's infamous swing voters.

Ryder has not publicly talked about his future political aspirations. Sources close to him say he would rather wait until 2018 to run for governor, but is prepared to run in 2014 if the party cannot find a suitable candidate.

Quanson told The Chamber Thursday that he will not run if Thoyer decides to run a second time.

"I have a lot of respect for Craig Thoyer, and if he runs, I will not run against him," Quanson said.

But no one knows if Thoyer will go for a second round, much less when he will reveal his plans.

"Right now, everyone is waiting on Craig Thoyer," one CNS party source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told GNN. "We can't really make an effective plan until he makes up his mind and publicizes his plans. So we'd love to hear from him soon so we can make the appropriate plans."

Thoyer told the Starksmin Press Club he will make a decision in the coming months.

"I don't think there's any real hurry to make a decision. This isn't something I want to rush into or rush out of. The political posturing is going to go on behind the scenes regardless of my decision. I'm not trying to prolong the suspense, I'm just trying to make a timely, well-thought decision. I'll be happy to tell you when I have made that decision," Thoyer said.

Last week, controversial Assemblyman Joe Wilsey (C) of Claremonte-White Pines, announced he would not run for governor in 2014.

Liz McKinn, Thoyer's 2010 running mate, told the Starksmin Frontiersman she is interested in running for governor, but would run again for lieutenant governor if Thoyer decides to run a second time.

"We were a team then, and we are a team now, if Craig decides that's what he wants to do," McKinn told the paper. "But I am considering running for governor in my own right."

The Carten campaign did not specifically address the Conservative field of potential candidates, but reiterated their confidence.

"We are confident that Wellingtonians will re-elect Pierre Carten to a second term in 2014," the campaign said.